Physics makes me feel really worthless

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and emotional struggles faced by a second-year mechanical engineering student in their physics course, particularly dynamics. Participants explore feelings of inadequacy, burnout, and the impact of academic pressure on their interest in STEM fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses feelings of worthlessness and reconsideration of their pursuit in physics due to difficulties in dynamics.
  • Another participant questions the student's math proficiency, suggesting it may impact their understanding of physics.
  • A participant notes that dynamics can be a wake-up call for many engineering students, indicating its importance for future coursework.
  • Some participants reflect on the common struggles faced by students in engineering and physics, suggesting that these challenges are part of the educational journey.
  • Concerns about burnout and apathy towards the major are raised, with participants questioning their initial motivations and interests in STEM.
  • One participant suggests that feelings of inadequacy may stem from the transition to more challenging material and the competitive nature of university courses.
  • Advice is offered regarding seeking help from advisors or counselors to address emotional challenges and academic stress.
  • Discussion includes the idea that tying self-worth to academic performance can be unhealthy and that many students experience similar feelings of being overwhelmed.
  • Participants mention the importance of maintaining a balance between required coursework and personal interests to sustain passion for the subject.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that struggles in physics and engineering are common and that feelings of burnout and inadequacy can affect many students. However, there is no consensus on how to best address these feelings or the implications for the student's future in STEM.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the potential for external factors, such as personal challenges and academic pressures, to contribute to feelings of inadequacy and burnout, but these factors remain unresolved in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students in STEM fields experiencing similar feelings of inadequacy, burnout, or questioning their academic paths, as well as educators and advisors looking to understand student challenges.

  • #61
Pipsqueakalchemist said:
Yea I heard about the dip before. It’s just for some reason the idea of studying and working seems so unappealing to me right now. I used to be a really hard working student but now I just don’t have any drive to work. I still want to stay in my major but my work ethic is just non existent at this point. I often think to my self that I wish everything would be easy for me and that I wouldn’t have to work to learn and contribute to science which I know isn’t realistic and a very dumb view but it’s how I kinda feel right now.
That’s the dip.

It’s kinda like Navy Seals training. They put you through the most physically, emotionally, and mentally grueling exercises and situations. Many people do not have the stamina, fortitude, and mental toughness to make it, and drop out of the program. They figure out it’s just not worth it for them. It just becomes a question of how bad you want it.
 
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  • #62
Pipsqueakalchemist said:
It’s just for some reason the idea of studying and working seems so unappealing to me right now. I used to be a really hard working student but now I just don’t have any drive to work. I still want to stay in my major but my work ethic is just non existent at this point.
Trust me, it's not just you. I had the same feelings in grad school after getting my butt handed to me by a toxic research group. Don't beat yourself up over it, and try to give yourself the opportunity to recover. It might take longer than you'd like. If you can, take it easier and/or fewer classes for a semester or two. If your circumstances allow it, taking an extra semester isn't the end of the world.

Also, not wanting to work hard isn't always a bad thing. There are a lot of people in STEM who don't value their labor highly enough, and throw away their hours cheaply just for competitiveness's sake. (Not judging anyone for doing so, and I certainly have been / will be guilty of doing exactly this.) There's something to be said for respecting the value of your labor. Now you know what your hours are worth to you

Make sure to take some time and enjoy your time off! Once COVID is under control in your area, maybe try and get together with friends. Taking care of yourself is priority #1!
 
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  • #63
I assume the semester is over now. What eventually happened with you and the Dynamics course?
 

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